Jelavic: I had to leave Everton to fulfill my dream of playing in World Cup for Croatia

Nikica Jelavic says he had to quit Everton to keep his World Cup dream alive.

The Croatia striker, who has joined Hull City with Shane Long in a combined £12million deal, wrote an open letter to Everton supporters explaining his decision to leave Goodison.

Although mystified by his lack of chances at Everton this season, with Croatia’s first choice striker Mario Mandzukic suspended for the opening game against the hosts, Jelavic admitted he had an eye on Brazil when he made his decision to join Steve Bruce’s mid-table side.

Big-money move: Nikica Jelavic has quit Everton for Hull in a bid to rescue his World Cup dream

Jelavic said: ‘I have to look after myself. The World Cup is coming up and the best thing was to move.

'We missed the last World Cup so this was a big chance after a long time to go again, especially now it’s Brazil and it was something big for every one of us when we qualified and very emotional.

‘It’s the dream opening game. The whole world is just watching you and you can show what you can do. It is a privilege to play for your country and I want to play in that game.

World Cup opener: Nikica Jelavic wants to play for Croatia in the first game of the tournament, against Brazil

‘The change of manager at Everton did not help me. I started the season but Romelu (Lukaku) came in, he was on fire and I'm pleased for him.

‘After the conversation with Steve Bruce, he convinced me to move here. He was straight and honest and when you have a manager who believes in you from the first day, you’re going to give him your best. I don’t know much about Hull but I have signed for three and a half years so I can learn.’

Hull on Friday confirmed the signing of Shane Long from West Brom in a £6m deal but the Ireland striker will not feature at Norwich on Saturday.

New strikeforce: Hull have also confirmed the transfer of Shane Long, from West Brom

Competition for places: Nikica Jelavic was being kept out of the Everton first team by Romelu Lukaku (right)